Teen accused of smothering infant sister to death

A 14-year-old with a psychiatric disorder is accused of purposely smothering his 2 1/2-month-old step-sister to death while she slept "because voices told him to."

The teen is held without bond at the Hamilton County juvenile jail on charges of murder and felonious assault, juvenile court officials said Wednesday.

He was arrested over the weekend and briefly appeared before a juvenile court magistrate Monday, where he was ordered to remain in custody.

The incident is alleged to have occurred on or around June 25 in the 100 block of East Vine Street, court records show.

In a 911 call June 25, the infant's father identifies himself as Reading Councilman Scott Heckle. ​

The teen "admitted to using a pillow to cover the victim's head and face while the victim was sleeping. (The teen) stated he did this because he heard voices telling him to do so," wrote Reading police Detective Joseph Mitsch Jr. in a sworn statement filed with Hamilton County Municipal Court.

The boy's arrest slip notes he has a "psychiatric disorder."

Fire crews were dispatched for a 9:07 p.m. report of an infant not breathing, according to Hamilton County emergency communication reports.

Reading police have not responded to a request for comment.

The case returns to court July 23, when a pre-trial conference will be held before Juvenile Judge John Williams.